Throwbacks

Everything I LoveThey've come a long way. From the time when the N.O. was nowhere on the hip-hop map to nationwide dominance to dissent and dissolution. Now the last of the Cash Money Millionaire Mohicans are back atop the rap game. They've come a long way, Baby and Wayne...

LimelightThe Game had a hard-knock life in the city of Compton before deciding to take a crack at the rap game. Vowing to bring the West Coast back as a major player in the hip-hop world, he, in fact, did just that. Bow down!Words Jon CaramanicaEditor’s Note: This story originally ap…

After more than one year of dodging the press, Chris Brown breaks his silence.Words: Chris BrownImages: JucoEditor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the December/January 2013 issue of XXL Magazine.Since this is my first cover in a minute, I’ll explain why I wa…

Ten years ago, along with his co-D P. Diddy, Biggie Smalls made history: Proving that an MC could make commercial bangers without sacrificing an ounce of street credibility. In his memory, we’ve gathered up the players to reminisce on his star-making jump-off.

If they wrote a book on the life of D.O.C., you think anyone would read it? They should, f*@kers. Y'all have to wait, though. The secret weapon behind the N.W.A. franchise has a new LP and a few more chapters to live.Words Gabriel AlvarezImages Mike SchreiberThe weekend could not have been bett…

Words Amy Linden Photos Clay Patrick McBrideNEW YORK CITY’S Central Park South is a mixture of dyed-in-the-wool, Waspy Manhattan mega bucks and the glitz of the nouveau notorious. Side by side stand the symbols of those who will be keeping their fortunes for a while and those riding …

Give Up The GoodsIn 1999, the rap business was thriving, with multiplatinum plaques, million-dollar videos and popping bottles of champagne. Rookie Southside Jamaica, Queens, MC 50 Cent just wanted a piece of the action. His debut record, "How To Rob," told folks how he was gonna g…